Sanmar hands over 1st LNG-powered tug to HaiSea Marine

Turkish shipbuilder Sanmar Shipyards has delivered Canada’s first LNG dual-fuelled tugboat Haisea Kermode to HaiSea Marine, a joint venture majority owned by the Haisla Nation in partnership with Seaspan ULC.

Haisea Kermode can run on diesel or LNG, and features a diesel exhaust after-treatment system that complies with IMO Tier III emissions standards, the shipyard said.

The tugboat integrates Astar 4000 DF design from Vancouver-based naval architects Robert Allan Ltd, featuring the two Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD).

At 40.20 m in length, with a 16.00 m bean and maximum draft of 7.10 m, and with more than 100 tonnes of bollard pull, the tug, along with its sister Haisea Warrior, is set to generate indirect escort forces of approximately 200 tonnes.

According to Sanmar, the tug’s ability to perform long-distance escort missions solely using LNG is a major advance towards sustainability as it results in significant emissions reductions compared to conventional diesel tugs of the same power.

“That a tug this powerful comes with such impressive green credentials is a fine example of how technological advance and innovation can pave the way to a sustainable and environmentally-friendly future for our industry. We at Sanmar are proud to be at the forefront of these advances,” Ali Gurun, Chairman of Sanmar Shipyards, said.

The tug will provide harbor and escort services in the extremely environmentally sensitive region. Haisea Kermode is about to be joined by its sister tug Haisea Warrior.